Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Inaugurates 40,000-Litre Milk Processing Unit in Bamutia
Agartala, May 18 – Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Saturday reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to supporting Tripura in enhancing the income of individuals involved in dairy farming, animal husbandry, and fisheries. His remarks came during a programme marking the inauguration of a 40,000-litre capacity milk processing plant at Bamutia in West Tripura district.Highlighting the untapped potential of the northeastern state, Singh stated, “Tripura has immense opportunities in fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairy that can significantly uplift the livelihoods of rural communities.”
Call for Strategic Collaboration and Campaigns
The Union Minister proposed a collaborative effort involving the Chief Minister, officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). “If Chief Minister Manik Saha is willing, we can hold a joint brainstorming session to develop a roadmap for these sectors,” Singh said.He urged the state government to launch a statewide campaign to establish cooperatives for maximum milk collection. "Doubling the income of people engaged in animal rearing is achievable if cooperatives lead the mission. Accelerating artificial insemination will further benefit this segment," he added.
Recognition of Central Reforms and Vision for Growth
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to create a separate ministry for fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying, Singh called the move a “game changer,” noting that it has played a vital role in India becoming the world's largest milk producer.Tripura’s Vision: Self-Sufficiency in Five Years
Chief Minister Manik Saha also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the state’s ambition to achieve self-reliance in milk, eggs, fish, and meat production within the next five years. He shared that he had discussed this goal with DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.Saha stressed the importance of building a robust cold chain infrastructure from milk collection to retail to ensure the delivery of quality products. “This will transform the socio-economic landscape of our farmers,” he said. He further affirmed the state’s readiness to work in close coordination with the Centre for the sector's advancement.